HP jornada vehicle docking station/holder

Abstract

A docking station and holder for use with a portable computer, and in particular, an HP Jornada™ portable computer. The docking station has a contour that is designed to receive the HP Jornada portable computer. The docking station connects to a center console of a vehicle. The docking station has a cradle that holds the portable computer in place while driving. The docking station has a cigarette lighter adapter for power and a cable that connects it to a stereo system of the vehicle to provide for audio (MP3) playback of music like.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. Docking apparatus for use with a portable computer in a vehicle, comprising: 
       a bracket including a base and an arm for attaching the apparatus to a dashboard of the vehicle; and  
       a docking cradle attached to the arm that comprises a connector adjacent its lower end that mates with a connector of the portable computer to electrically interconnect the portable computer to the docking cradle;  
       a power cable and connector for connecting the docking cradle to a vehicle power source; and  
       an audio cable interconnects the docking cradle to a vehicle audio system.  
     
     
       2. The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein the portable computer comprises HP Jornada portable computer. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein the docking cradle comprises plastic. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein the power cable and connector comprise a cigarette lighter adapter. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein the audio cable electrically connects the portable computer to the vehicle audio system. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein the audio cable is connected to an input connector of the vehicle audio system. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein the audio cable permits audio playback of music files stored in the portable computer.